Market Developments prompt Alaska LNG Summit in Valdez

Published: August 16, 2012

VALDEZ, ALASKA – In July the U.S. Department of Energy received an application from the Alaska Gasline Port Authority (AGPA) to export up to approximately 19 million metric tons per annum of LNG and is expecting to obtain a favorable response. Upon receipt of the license AGPA will continue to advance the LNG project.

On July 30, the Wall Street Journal reported Exxon Mobil Corp. and TransCanada Corporation said they will ask Alaska gas producers if they support a pipeline project that would send liquefied natural gas from the North Slope to buyers overseas. The article quoted the Calgary energy infrastructure company as saying “We will hold a nonbinding public solicitation of interest between August 31st and September 14th in which the area’s major producers – Exxon MobilCorp. (XOM), BP PLC (BP) and Conoco Phillips (COP) – will say whether they support the plan to build a pipeline and LNG export facility in Southern Alaska, likely in the Port City of Valdez, or plan to ship it over land across a connection point near the border of British Columbia and Alberta”.

In response to these important industry developments, key stakeholders, industry decision-makers, government officials and global buyers will be coming together at the Alaska LNG Summit in Valdez September 13th and 14th.

With the Valdez Summit ending September 14th, this will be a unique opportunity to reflect on crucial development through the panel discussions, speakers and networking in Valdez. The Summit in Valdez will play a large role in the Alaska LNG export discussions. The Summit, hosted by the City of Valdez and sponsored by the Alaska Gasoline Port Authority, Excelerate Energy and others, has received commitments from Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich, Representative Don Young and leading industry players to participate.

Mark Myers, Vice Chancellor of Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks and former Director of U.S. Geological Survey

Bob Gibb, Associate Director Energy Practice, Navigant Consulting

Bill Walker, who is speaking at the Summit and has been actively involved in putting the panels together, said all the major oil companies have been contacted and he is expecting a good contingent of industry players, regulators, government officials, buyers, and producers at the event. “Alaska has a 40 plus history of exporting LNG to the Asian market. The market focus on LNG is really coming from outside of Alaska right now. The market is looking for long-term supply and those with supply are looking for a long-term market. The pricing is such that all the projects make sense at this point. It’s really the right time to do a conference like this” Walker said.

Topics will include where Alaskan gas fits into the global supply picture; opportunities for LNG exports to Asia Pacific and other destinations; creating a viable infrastructure for Alaskan gas to reach its full potential, regulations and policies that will impact decisions, infrastructure needs and investment opportunities.

In addition to speakers and panel discussions, the Summit will provide an opportunity for participants to view the existing Valdez Alyeska Marine Oil Terminal aboard a Stan Stephens ship, hence combining site visit and a truly unique networking opportunity in Valdez.